Structural steelwork has now begun at the £73m leisure facility with the first three roof trusses and main frame now erected. It marks the first stage of the centre taking form above-ground, with the team spending the summer months creating the 50m Olympic-sized pool – the only one of its size in the Midlands – as well as a 25m diving pool and community swimming pool. 

With procurement being accelerated and performance managed through Scape, the facility will create a legacy for community health and wellbeing, with its three pools and seats for up to 1,000 spectators.

Other facilities at the aquatics centre will include three activity studios, two four court sports halls, a 108-station fitness suite with a 25-station ladies-only gym, dry diving facilities, an indoor cycling studio, a new football pitch, a café, and changing facilities including a sauna and steam room. Externally, a new urban park will feature a children’s play area.

With the frame in place, the team will now start work creating the walls and roof of the building, as well as completing the installation of the 10m dive tower before Christmas.

The project is set to complete in spring 2022 and will open to the public in the spring of 2023.